[va-richmond-general] Re: [Va-bird] Black bellied Whistling Duck

*Hello,*
*Regarding the disappearance of the ducklings  .  . .  One night after two
a.m., I was so fed up with insomnia that I went for a drive to that very
duck pond.  I got a real fine look at a Red Fox and also noticed that
instead of roosting on land, the ducks had circled the wagons in the center
of the pond.  My guess is that is that may explain the mystery of the
missing ducklings.  This was quite some time ago.*
**
*Katie, South of the James*



On Sun, May 24, 2009 at 11:53 PM, Janice Frye <jjfdc@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Glad you had a good visit with that coy little duck, and no, not sick of
> it.
> I will look for your container since I live around the corner and go by
> every chance I get.  For all you fans of mute swans--they have been
> observed
> killing goslings at this pond by George Freeman, the very nice CEO who saw
> the BBWD fly in the first day and reported it to RAS.  His office overlooks
> the pond and he is apparently a duck aficionado for many years.  There has
> also been much wondering about the disappearance of ducklings in that pond,
> though turtles are a possibility.  While I was there with Arun, Lewis, and
> Fenton the first few hours after the duck arrived, one of the swans moved
> in
> with a threat posture near the BBWD and there was a tense moment as we
> wondered what might happen next.  If memory serves, George moved in with
> food on the water and all was calm.  The massive head and neck muscles were
> really in striking contrast next to a BBWD.  Add this to the Maryland swan
> article that said they can eat about 8 lbs. of native Bay grass per
> day........  They do appear to be afraid of the GB heron.  It will
> sometimes
> keep ducks, geese, and swans away from bread on the water and catch the
> fish
> that rise up to eat the bread!  Very amusing.  Sorry I missed you guys.
>
> Jan
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: va-bird-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:va-bird-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
> On Behalf Of Tom and Lynda Blair
> Sent: Sunday, May 24, 2009 10:18 PM
> To: va-bird
> Subject: [Va-bird] Black bellied Whistling Duck
>
> I know you guys are probably sick of seeing the BBWD, but I have to tell
> you
>
> I had such fun photographing this little duck today, I had to share.
> I brought my secret weapon to the pond. Floating Waterfowl food. I went the
> pond and sat down in the grass, mindful of the goose droppings:) and tossed
> some duck chow onto the grass.
> I had a crowd around me instantly. Including the adorable little guy/girl..
> Up close and personal.
> The BBWD was very fond of my floating duck balls, and gobbled them up,
> coming closer and closer. Glad I brought the small lens:) For photos in the
> water, I tossed some of the Waterfowl food into the pond and the BBWD went
> right in after them.. He whistled several times, which was great! There was
> a GBH right in front of me catching small fish as well. I was having so
> much
>
> fun shooting all the various Mallards, and the GBH, that I have to
> apologize. I left there and forgot my duck chow container on the ground. If
> anyone finds it could you please dispose of it for me? Sorry!
> I know Mute Swans aren't very popular, but I have to say there is a
> beautiful pair in the pond on the other side of the street that were
> showing
>
> off for me as well. I didn't feed them, but did enjoy taking a few
> photographs of them as they floated majestically by.
> The pictures are here if you are interested..
>
> http://lyndablair.smugmug.com/gallery/6338784_CdDcV/14/541734983_fKja6#54498
> 8891_F397b
> Thanks for the directions to this great little spot!
> Happy birding..
> Lynda Blair
> New Kent County
>
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